Divine Dining Features Exceptional Eateries Despite Expensive Menus
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- South Floridians love to eat out. There are plenty of remarkable restaurants where diners can find delicious deals but there are also exceptional eateries that bring in the crowds despite sometimes hefty prices.
One of those restaurants is The Dutch at W South Beach. This ultra cool, relaxed space is the sister to one of New York's hottest restaurants. It opened in South Florida during Art Basel week in November 2011 and it has become a true dining destination.
The living room style decor is an inviting space for guests to enjoy the cuisine on chef Conor Hanlan's eclectic menu.
"We like to make it like roots inspired cooking. Whatever your Grandmother made or my Grandmother made. We put a twist on it," chef Hanlan told CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Dutch has something for everyone.
New on the menu for Spring is corvina ceviche. The magical marinade includes 3 citrus juices topped with fresh avocados, onions and jalapeno peppers. The plump seared scallops are served atop homemade kimchee and there's a fresh sour cherry pie served with pistachio ice cream for dessert.
The Dutch isn't cheap. Dinner prices range around $16.00 per appetizer. Entrees range from to $22 - $44 dollars.
The Dutch is located inside W South Beach Hotel & Residences, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.
On Mary Brickell Village, diners can get a traditional taste of Tuscany with a modern twist at Toscana Divino.
Executive chef Julian Baker is an Englishman who knows Italian cooking.
"How does an Englishman cook Italian so well?" asked Petrillo.
"Do you have to be French to French kiss?" joked Chef Julian.
Chef Julian spent years in Italy fine tuning his craft. At Toscana Divino he serves up everything from very affordable pasta dishes, seafood, burgers and more. For lunch, Lisa Petrillo recommends the boccocino. Its cod cooked in black butter served on top of a divine chick pea puree.
"This is a melt in your mouth delicate fish," described Petrillo.
It's all about Tuscany in this sexy space. Diners not only get to enjoy the delicious food, they can bring a piece of Tuscany home. There are beautiful purses and leather goods as well as barware and artwork from the village for sale inside the restaurant.
"The origin of Tuscany is our partner," said General Manager Mauro Bortignon. "You can shop while you eat!"
Toscana Divino is located on 900 South Miami Avenue in Miami in the Mary Brickell Village.
